180 
OUR HOME BIRDS. 
the opposite door or window. He has been known to 
take refuge in a hothouse during the cool nights of 
autumn, to go regularly out in the morning, and to 
return as regularly in the evening for several days 
together.’ 
1 When the morning dawns, and the blest sun again 
Lifts his red glories from the eastern main, 
Then through our woodbines, wet with glittering dews, 
The flower-fed humming-bird his round pursues ; 
Sips, with inserted tube, the honeyed blooms, 
And chirps his gratitude as round he roams ; 
While richest roses, though in crimson drest, 
Shrink from the splendor of his gorgeous breast. 
What heavenly tints in mingling radiance fly ! 
Each rapid movement gives a different dye ; 
Like scales of burnished gold they dazzling show — - 
Now sink to shade, now like a furnace glow P 
“ This charming little bird, however, is not exactly 
‘ flower-fed/ as it has been proved that the juice which 
he scoops from the flowers with the natural pair of 
spoons furnished by his bill is taken more in the way 
of drink than food. A vast amount of spiders and 
other insects is required for the nourishment of this 
‘ living gem/ and a few privileged people have been 
able to watch him in the very act of catching and de- 
vouring his prey. 
“ One of these says : ‘ I caught Mr. Ruby in the 
